The Little Book of Investing Like the Pros Five Steps for Picking Stocks

As you have probably noticed, there are quite a few investing books out there. Many of them were written by some of the world's greatest investors. So, why should you read our book?

Stock investing is more prevalent than ever, whether directly or indirectly through brokerage accounts, exchange-traded funds, mutual funds, or retirement plans. Despite this, the vast majority of individual investors have no training on how to pick stocks. And, until now, there hasn't been a truly accessible, easy-to-understand resource available to help them. The Little Book of Investing Like the Pros was written to fill this void.

We believe the simplicity and accessibility of our stock picking framework is truly unique. Using real-world examples and actual Wall Street models used by the pros, we teach you how to pick stocks in a highly accessible, step-by-step manner. Our goal is straightforward—to impart the skills necessary for finding high-quality stocks while protecting your portfolio with risk management best practices.

Our practical approach is designed to help demystify the investing process, which can be intimidating. This training will help set you apart from others who are largely flying blind.

Pilots require extensive training before receiving a license. Doctors must graduate medical school, followed by a multi-year residency. Even those providing professional investment advice require certification. But, anyone can buy a stock without any training whatsoever. While buying stocks on a hunch and a prayer may not endanger your life, it can certainly put your finances at risk.

JOSHUA PEARL has served as a Managing Director at Brahman Capital, a long/short equity asset manager. He focuses on public equity investments and special situations utilizing a fundamentals-based approach. Previously, he structured high yield financings, leveraged buyouts, and restructurings as a Director at UBS Investment Bank. Prior to UBS, he worked at Moelis & Company and Deutsche Bank. He received his BS in Business from Indiana University's Kelley School of Business. He is also the co-author of Investment Banking: Valuation, LBOs, M&A, and IPOs.

JOSHUA ROSENBAUM is a Managing Director and Head of the Industrials & Diversified Services Group at RBC Capital Markets. He originates, structures, and advises on M&A, corporate finance, and capital markets transactions. Previously, he worked at UBS Investment Bank and the International Finance Corporation, the direct investment division of the World Bank. He received his AB from Harvard and his MBA with Baker Scholar honors from Harvard Business School. He is also the co-author of Investment Banking: Valuation, LBOs, M&A, and IPOs.

About the Authors ix

Foreword by Howard Marks xv

Acknowledgments xix

Disclaimer xxv

Introduction 1

Chapter One Step I: Idea Generation 19

Screens 22

Bottom-Up Approach 24

Top-Down Approach 59

Chapter Two Step II: Identifying the Best Ideas 71

Idea Review Framework 73

Investment Thesis 77

Business Overview 82

Management 91

Risks & Considerations 96

Financials & Valuation 99

Chapter Three Step III: Business & Financial Due Diligence 121

Business Due Diligence 123

Financial Due Diligence 148

Chapter Four Step IV: Valuation & Catalysts 171

Valuation 173

Market and Intrinsic Valuation 174

Buyout Valuation 194

Catalysts 206

Setting the Price Target 227

Chapter Five Step V: Investment Decision & Portfolio Management 233

Making the Investment Decision 236

Monitor the Investment 243

Portfolio Construction 250

Portfolio & Risk Management 263

Post-Mortem: Delphi Automotive 279

Bibliography & Recommended Reading 289

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